Hello @GoingCrazyMum and welcome to the forums! I'm sorry to hear about what's happening with your teen. Hopefully seeing that this is a common struggle helps to reassure you that you're not alone.
It sounds like you are taking a really helpful step by trying to have online safety talks with your teen. I was wondering if you have found any success in this? @Janine-RO has linked some helpful articles above about this, there's also an article by esafety on this topic you may find helpful too.
You also mentioned that your child might be able to get on a bus or train instead of going to school to see people, I'm wondering if this is what is happening in your situation? Do you know who your child is talking to, or does the school know that your child is missing school for these reasons? It may be helpful if your child is able to get support from within the school, like from a counsellor, to get a better understanding of why they may be taking these steps.
If this is something that you're experiencing, I'd like to link you in with ReachOut's 1:1 parent coaching program who may be able to help you come up with some strategies to work with your teen about punishments and safety- it sounds like you already have some ideas of what doesn't work as well which is somewhere to start. They have new sessions come out every week. Parentline is another helpful service where you can speak to a counsellor about your concerns and how this may be affecting you too.
